Case tallies two victories as solid team effort on beam seals win

MUNCIE, Ind. – The Kent State gymnastics team put together a strong effort on the balance beam in the final apparatus of the evening in its dual with Ball State Friday evening to post a 193.650-192.775 victory over the Cardinals at Irving Gym.

The team's solid effort on the beam helped overcome a shaky performance on the floor, which came after two good showings on the first two rotations.

"We had three good events, but one event killed us again," said head coach Brice Biggin. "But we were extremely pleased with how the team responded on the beam."

Starting on the bars, Kent State jumped out to over a one-point lead thanks to a pair of 9.775 marks by seniors Erin Rothrock (Erie, Pa.) and Jaimee Caldwell (Blue Ash, Ohio).

Kent State then had the best team score of the evening with a 48.825 on the vault to stretch the Golden Flashes' lead. For the second straight outing, senior Rachel Goldenberg (Doylestown, Pa.) had the best score of the night with a team season-high 9.875. Teammate Lauren Wozniak (Pittsburg, Pa.) was hot on Goldenberg's heels with a 9.825, good for second overall.

The Golden Flashes faltered on the floor, combining for a 47.625. But sophomore Marie Case (Erie, Pa.) was on the mark, winning the event with a 9.825.

Coming off a home event where Kent State was not up to par on the beam, the Golden Flashes stifled a boisterous crowd with a 48.525 on the beam.

"Our kids went up there and hit some great routines," Biggin said of his team's effort on the final rotation. "And when we needed it, Marie (Case) had a beautiful routine to step up in some tough circumstances."

As the anchor, Case posted a 9.750 for the evening's top performance on the balance beam to lift the Golden Flashes with her second straight win on the apparatus. Case finished with a 38.900 for an all-around score, a team-best this season.

Off next weekend, Kent State returns to action Saturday, Feb. 11 on the road at Central Michigan for a 1 p.m. meet.